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Friday, February 21, 2014

Sochi 2014 Paralympics: “It's Not What's Missing”

The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics are
almost at their end, but don't worry too much about missing out on
great athletics. March 7th marks the beginning of the
Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, and this year, NBC Olympics and
the US Olympic Committee is presenting 52 hours of coverage on NBC
and NBCSN. This includes 27 hours of live coverage beginning with the
opening ceremony, and TeamUSA.org will also stream all events live
throughout the games.

Paralympic coverage this extensive is
unprecedented.

“NBC Olympics’ commitment to airing
the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games marks a significant turning
point for the Paralympic Movement in the United States,” says
United States Olympic Committee chief executive officer, Scott
Blackmun. “Americans have always been interested in the inspiring
stories of our Paralympians. With the Paralympic Games on television,
Americans will be able to experience the thrill of sport, which is
what the Paralympic Movement is about. The Paralympic Games are not
about disability. The Paralympic Games are about athletes competing
to be the best in the world.”

The Sochi Paralympics will feature
close to 700 athletes from 45 different countries. Team USA has an
80 athletes and will compete in each of the five winter
sports: alpine skiing/snowboarding, cross-country skiing, biathlon,
wheelchair curling, and sled hockey.

Now, I understand that right now ice
hockey has produced some stiff but good-humored angstbetween Canada
and the US, but let's forgive the Canadians for just a minute: long
enough, at least, to watch their fantastic 2014 Paralympic Winter
Games advertisement. The ad beautifully focuses on the strength and
first-rate athleticism of Team Canada's competitors.

The Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games
will run from March 7th through March 16th.
Check out Team USA's website to get more information about the games
and athletes.